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51st Rolex 24 At Daytona ushers in racing season

Green flag scheduled to drop at 3:30 p.m. Saturday

The Seabreeze High School marching band takes part in the pre-race activities at Daytona International Speedway before the start of the Rolex at Daytona 24 Saturday, January 26, 2013. (Photo Jim Tiller)

Here's another tradition: The Rolex isn't just about racing. It's also a social gathering as Daytona International Speedway becomes a party ground for car enthusiasts, race fans and a wide variety of folks in search of a widely varied party atmosphere.

Track activities begin at 9 this morning and continue until the start of the Rolex. Among the warm-up acts is a 15-lap race for the Ferrari Challenge Series, which begins at 10. Ceremonial laps by historic cars of the old Formula V Series is scheduled for 11:25.

When the Grand Am cars hit the 3.56-mile road course for the main event, there will be some familiar faces on the front row.

Chip Ganassi's two Daytona Prototypes, each featuring a Riley chassis to go with that BMW horsepower, swept the top two spots Thursday in qualifying for the 24-hour marathon. Ganassi, who has four Rolex 24 trophies as an owner, had the pleasure Thursday of handing qualifying duties on his No. 01 car to Scott Pruett, who has four Rolex 24 wins as a driver (three of those in Ganassi cars).

“I joked with some of my guys, I don't know how many years I have left, so I better get every pole I can,” said the 52-year-old Pruett, whose quickest lap averaged 127.455 mph. The other Ganassi car – the No. 02, with Scott Dixon handling qualifying duties – turned a fast lap of 127.337 mph.

In a rarity for Rolex weekend, there appears to be scant chance of fickle weather. In most years, you're likely to see everything from shorts to overcoats to umbrellas during the course of the four-day stay. The weather is expected to be clear and sunny on Saturday with a high near 73 and winds of 5 to 10 mph, the National Weather Service said. After the full moon rises at 5:48 p.m., temperatures are forecast to drop to a low of 53 degrees overnight. Sunday's high is expected to be 72 with some clouds.

If you can't make it to the track, check back often at www.news-journalonline.com/nascar for updates from the track.

<p>The first big race day of 2013 has arrived, and as usual, Daytona is the host.<ep></p><p>The Rolex 24 – North America's ultimate test of human and mechanical endurance – begins its twice-around-the-clock adventure at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.<ep></p><p>Here's another tradition: The Rolex isn't just about racing. It's also a social gathering as Daytona International Speedway becomes a party ground for car enthusiasts, race fans and a wide variety of folks in search of a widely varied party atmosphere.<ep></p><p>Track activities begin at 9 this morning and continue until the start of the Rolex. Among the warm-up acts is a 15-lap race for the Ferrari Challenge Series, which begins at 10. Ceremonial laps by historic cars of the old Formula V Series is scheduled for 11:25.<ep></p><p>An autograph session featuring Rolex 24 drivers will highlight the lunch hour – beginning at 12:15 p.m.<ep></p><p>When the Grand Am cars hit the 3.56-mile road course for the main event, there will be some familiar faces on the front row.<ep></p><p>Chip Ganassi's two Daytona Prototypes, each featuring a Riley chassis to go with that BMW horsepower, swept the top two spots Thursday in qualifying for the 24-hour marathon. Ganassi, who has four Rolex 24 trophies as an owner, had the pleasure Thursday of handing qualifying duties on his No. 01 car to Scott Pruett, who has four Rolex 24 wins as a driver (three of those in Ganassi cars). <ep></p><p>“I joked with some of my guys, I don't know how many years I have left, so I better get every pole I can,” said the 52-year-old Pruett, whose quickest lap averaged 127.455 mph. The other Ganassi car – the No. 02, with Scott Dixon handling qualifying duties – turned a fast lap of 127.337 mph. <ep></p><p>In a rarity for Rolex weekend, there appears to be scant chance of fickle weather. In most years, you're likely to see everything from shorts to overcoats to umbrellas during the course of the four-day stay. The weather is expected to be clear and sunny on Saturday with a high near 73 and winds of 5 to 10 mph, the National Weather Service said. After the full moon rises at 5:48 p.m., temperatures are forecast to drop to a low of 53 degrees overnight. Sunday's high is expected to be 72 with some clouds.<ep></p><p><b> If you can't make it to the track, check back often at www.news-journalonline.com/nascar for updates from the track.</b></p>